Bio
Pragmatic in her approach to client service, Gillian is a versatile litigator with significant courtroom experience in the United States and Canada. With her diverse skillset, Gillian is the Insurance Practice Group co-lead in Calgary and maintains a civil litigation practice primarily in the areas of insurance defence, commercial and condominium litigation.
Gillian began her career as a lawyer in Nevada and California. There, she honed her skills working in private practice and as in-house counsel with a national insurance company. Industrious and courageous, Gillian had the opportunity to try several cases early in her career. Career highlights include the completion of two jury trials and two bench trails, where she successfully obtained defence verdicts for all clients.
Since moving back to Calgary, Gillian has become particularly skilled in representing clients in a variety of insurance defence matters. She frequently handles complex personal injuries claims involving fatalities, serious injuries, and issues of liability or legal causation. Her insurance defence practice also includes SEF 44 claims, property loss, construction matters, product liability claims, occupier liability matters, and commercial host claims.
Separate from her insurance defence practice, Gillian acts as counsel for clients with contractual and commercial disputes and represents condominium corporations in a variety of matters. She has also worked on public and private fatality inquiries.
Beyond her knowledge of the law, Gillian prides herself on being a patient listener and an innovative problem solver. Clients can rely on her to provide thoughtful, timely, and cost-effective advice. Gillian works to personalize the client experience and develops meaningful relationships with her clients. Always accessible, when working with Gillian, clients can expect regular updates and open communication. A calm, but assertive communicator, Gillian is always prepared and clients can count on her as a trusted advisor and advocate.
Prior to attending law school, Gillian attended Oklahoma City University as a Dance Performance Major and graduated summa cum laude. Gillian performed in several professional productions, including Oklahoma, The Music Man, Young Abe Lincoln, and A Christmas Carol. Her performance background has served her well, both in court and as a speaker at seminars, over the years.
Gillian has appeared before the Alberta Court of Appeal, Alberta Court of King’s Bench, and Alberta’s Provincial Court. She also has extensive experience with a variety of forms of alternative dispute resolution, including settlement conferences, mediations and judicial dispute resolutions.